Taxpayers in Mirfield face another costly by-election, depriving community groups of up to £10,000.

The resignation of Labour councillor Gary Bunton last month left Mirfield Town Council with a second vacancy since the full elections in May.

In August a by-election in Battyeford cost just short of £10,000 and now another poll has been called for Mr Bunton’s Eastthorpe seat.

By-elections can be called by a group of electors or a party but the two main parties in Mirfield – the ruling Tories and Labour – have both denied calling the ballot.

Kirklees Council’s elections office has confirmed that a by-election has been called for Thursday, December 3.

Nominations must be received by Friday, November 6. If only one candidate stands he or she will be elected unopposed otherwise an election will be held.

Tory councillor Martyn Bolt, who criticised the Battyeford by-election as a “waste of money”, said: “The costs are racking up.

Newly-elected Mirfield town councillor Martin Ibberson (right) is welcomed to Mirfield Town Council by Clr Martyn Bolt
Newly-elected Mirfield town councillor Martin Ibberson (right) is welcomed to Mirfield Town Council by Clr Martyn Bolt

“Even before we know whether the election will be contested and more than one candidate will stand we have to take a punt and pay £750 to have poll cards printed.

“We must always appreciate democracy but if anybody felt strongly enough that they could make a difference to Mirfield Town Council they should have come to us and ask if we would consider co-option. That way councillors would decide on filling the vacancy without the need for an expensive by-election.

“Co-option could have saved another £10,000 which could have been spent on community projects. If by-elections keep happening there will be no money left in the kitty.”

While the Tories look likely to field a candidate, Labour has yet to decide.

Former councillor Michael Hutchinson, secretary of Mirfield Labour Party, said Labour had not called the by-election.

Mirfield councillor, Michael Hutchinson
Mirfield councillor, Michael Hutchinson

Though they were costly he said it would have been “prudent” for the town council to budget for by-elections.

Mr Hutchinson was elected in Battyeford in May but lost his seat on a legal technicality when he failed to sign a declaration at the next council meeting.

Labour supporters called a by-election to “right the wrong” but it was won by Tory Martin Ibberson. Mr Hutchinson said this situation was completely different.

Mr Bunton had resigned to pursue a job opportunity and Mr Hutchinson said he was “not thinking about” standing to replace him.

However he added: “I am always open to persuasion but I don’t always say yes.”